Private Equity 3 Days

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Venture Capital & Fundraising

Venture capital firms are navigating a dynamic fundraising environment, with Menlo Ventures raising $3 billion across two new funds, marking its largest capital raise in 50 years to target AI startups from seed to growth stages. This significant capital infusion follows Menlo's successful $750 million bet on Anthropic in 2024 building on its AI investor reputation. In parallel, early-stage investor Seedcamp closed on $320 million across two funds, signaling an expansion of its U.S. footprint after an 18-year focus on Europe. The firm's latest capital raise brings its assets under management to $1 billion across seven funds. This surge in capital deployment underscores a continued appetite for AI and technology ventures, even as some investors express caution regarding current valuations and revenue inflation as discussed in a recent TechCrunch Venture episode.

AI & Emerging Technologies

The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a focal point for investment, with robotics startups attracting significant venture funding, having raised $18.8 billion globally in 2026 to date, surpassing the $15 billion raised in all of 2025. This includes a $11.7 million seed round for a startup handpicked by DeepMind for its robotics accelerator. Europe is also emphasizing its commitment to developing its own AI infrastructure, with discussions around the necessity of controlling the AI stack and the potential impact of non-compete clauses on talent as highlighted by Sifted. The broader software landscape is also shifting, with the next wave of innovation expected to be AI-native and industry-specific, moving beyond traditional Saa S models as predicted by industry analysts.

Private Equity Dealmaking & Portfolio Activity

Private equity firms remain active across various sectors, with Acorn Capital agreeing to sell Berry Aviation for $105 million to Bristow Group. Teleo Capital has acquired Modersys, a pharmaceutical manufacturing intelligence platform, from Applied Materials, Inc. In the infrastructure space, Mangrove Equity launched its platform Peak Pavement Group, incorporating HD Sealcoating & Paving Solutions and Maintain It All. Brightstar Capital acquired Erdman, a healthcare architecture firm, for integration into its portfolio company KZF Design. Apheon is set to acquire Easi, a Belgian business software and managed IT services provider. Meanwhile, Investcorp is taking a majority stake in UK facilities management firm Smart Managed Solutions in a deal valued at over $200 million.

Sector-Specific Investments & Exits

The live events sector is experiencing a wave of private equity interest, with Apollo, Hellman & Friedman, and Platinum Equity investing in the space. The global market for live events is projected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2032, attracting firms looking to capitalize on its growing popularity as detailed by PE Hub. In the consumer goods sector, L Catterton has taken a significant minority stake in clean haircare brand RŌZ. On the exit front, CVC is considering a €6 billion exit from Cooper Consumer Health, with Stada reportedly circling as a potential buyer. TPG Capital is exiting its Australian drinks and dairy producer Made Group through a $1.4 billion sale to Danone. Elsewhere, CVC has agreed to sell its entire stake in Philippine logistics leader Fast Logistics Group back to the founding family.

Fundraising & Investor Sentiment

Investor sentiment towards private equity remains mixed, with some institutions adjusting their allocations. Virginia's state pension system has cut its private equity target for the first time in over 15 years, citing volatility concerns. This cautious approach is echoed by the persistent issue of "zombie funds," where tail-end vehicles continue to hold assets, leading to investor concern about GP selection and liquidity pressures as reported by PE International. However, capital continues to flow into specific strategies, such as private credit, with Allianz Global Investors holding a first close of $744 million for its third Asia Pacific private credit fund. In the secondaries market, Pantheon's infrastructure secondaries funds have surpassed their targets, and INVL Family Office has launched a private equity secondaries fund with Adams Street Partners.

Strategic Moves & Operational Shifts

Firms are making strategic personnel changes to align with growth objectives. TPG has appointed Axel André as Partner and Chief Financial Officer, with Jack Weingart transitioning to lead the firm's burgeoning private wealth division. In Europe, there is a growing focus on building indigenous AI capabilities, with discussions around talent acquisition and operational strategies, including the role of non-compete clauses in attracting and retaining talent as explored by Sifted. The broader implications of global hiring strategies for European businesses are also being examined, suggesting a shift in how companies approach growth and talent management according to Sifted.

Market Trends & Valuations

The debate surrounding artificial intelligence valuations and revenue inflation continues, with VCs discussing the sustainability of current metrics in a TechCrunch Venture episode. While some sectors like robotics are seeing record funding rounds, the overall market is being shaped by evolving technological paradigms. The emergence of AI-native, industry-specific software platforms is poised to redefine the tech landscape, potentially creating new avenues for investment and growth beyond traditional Saa S models as suggested by industry analysis. The increasing use of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) by general partners (GPs) is also creating back-office challenges for limited partners (LPs), indicating a need for more streamlined operational processes within the private markets according to PE International.

Infrastructure & Real Assets

Private equity is also making inroads into infrastructure development, with KKR-owned Arctos Partners backing a $288 million Tennessee stadium district as part of a broader push into college sports and mixed-use entertainment districts. This aligns with a growing interest in the live events sector, which is drawing significant capital from firms like Apollo and Platinum Equity as per PE Hub.

Healthcare & Life Sciences

The healthcare sector is experiencing AI-driven advancements, particularly in drug discovery, where AI can accelerate compound screening as noted by Mérieux's Jean-François Billet. Private capital is also showing keen interest in defense sector plans, suggesting a convergence of technology and national security investments. PE-backed Life Science Connect is expanding its biopharma outsourcing platform through the acquisition of Pharma Source and CDMO Live as reported by PE Hub.

Other Notable Transactions

Berkshire Partners is set to invest C$1.775 billion in Harbourfront Wealth Group. Flexpoint Ford is investing in Novel Financial Holdings. Incline Equity has invested in West Physics, a provider of testing services for medical imaging equipment. Great Hill is investing in pet grooming franchise Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming. Greybull Stewardship has acquired Genesys Industries, consolidating three American manufacturing brands. HIG-backed Axis CLC has acquired Fieldway Group, a specialist in fire safety and compliance. Signal Hill-backed Aeterna Group has launched, formed by the unification of five architecture and engineering firms. LDC has invested in Nu-Style Products, a manufacturer of laminate wall panels. Juniper Capital is backing AV systems design firm Bug ID. Littlejohn has promoted Charles Leung to managing director. In a significant defense sector deal, Advent-backed Cobham Ultra Group is selling Ultra Mission Solutions’ defense tech business to Booz Allen for $720 million.

Corporate & Strategic Developments

Platinum Equity is emerging as the sole bidder for Nestlé's water business after CD&R withdrew from the auction. Castlelake has taken its £4.7 billion takeover proposal for easy Jet directly to shareholders after the airline's board rejected multiple approaches. Bending Spoons, an Italian software acquirer, is seeking to raise up to $1.62 billion in an IPO. In the context of European tech development, a discussion about the legacy of the dot-com era and the passing of Alan Greenspan offers a historical perspective on market cycles as noted by Crunchbase News. The performance culture of Silicon Valley is being adopted by some European companies, such as Revolut's People operations, aiming to drive growth and efficiency according to Sifted.